Continuously Optimizing Radar Placement with Model Predictive Path Integrals

Michael Potter; Shuo Tang; Paul Ghanem; Milica Stojanovic; Pau Closas; Murat Akcakaya; Ben Wright; Marius Necsoiu; Deniz Erdogmus; Michael Everett; Tales Imbiriba

doi:10.1109/taes.2025.3528397

arXiv · 2405.18999

Continuously Optimizing Radar Placement with Model Predictive Path Integrals

Michael Potter·Shuo Tang·Paul Ghanem·Milica Stojanovic·Pau Closas·Murat Akcakaya·Ben Wright·Marius Necsoiu·Deniz Erdogmus·Michael Everett·Tales Imbiriba

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Abstract

Continuously optimizing sensor placement is essential for precise target localization in various military and civilian applications. While information theory has shown promise in optimizing sensor placement, many studies oversimplify sensor measurement models or neglect dynamic constraints of mobile sensors. To address these challenges, we employ a range measurement model that incorporates radar parameters and radar-target distance, coupled with Model Predictive Path Integral (MPPI) control to manage complex environmental obstacles and dynamic constraints. We compare the proposed approach against stationary radars or simplified range measurement models based on the root mean squared error (RMSE) of the Cubature Kalman Filter (CKF) estimator for the targets' state. Additionally, we visualize the evolving geometry of radars and targets over time, highlighting areas of highest measurement information gain, demonstrating the strengths of the approach. The proposed strategy outperforms stationary radars and simplified range measurement models in target localization, achieving a 38-74% reduction in mean RMSE and a 33-79% reduction in the upper tail of the 90% Highest Density Interval (HDI) over 500 Monte Carl (MC) trials across all time steps. Code will be made publicly available upon acceptance.

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Michael Potter, Shuo Tang, Paul Ghanem, Milica Stojanovic, Pau Closas, Murat Akcakaya, Ben Wright, Marius Necsoiu, Deniz Erdogmus, Michael Everett, Tales Imbiriba. 2025-05-18. Continuously Optimizing Radar Placement with Model Predictive Path Integrals. https://doi.org/10.1109/taes.2025.3528397

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